36ers' NBL1 ties grow stronger

Feature image via: Sarah Reed

After the departure of CJ Bruton from the Adelaide 36ers, NBL1 Central championship coach Scott Ninnis has taken the reigns of the coaching responsibilities.

The former 36ers head coach and club legend has spent many years coaching in the NBL1 Central conference – leading the South Adelaide Panthers to the championship in 2022. 

Ninnis said that coaching in the NBL1 has been important for his NBL return, stating winning a championship for the club was rewarding. 

“Having immediate success was beyond my wildest dreams but being am to turn a side around straight away to get the ultimate success was very rewarding,” he told NBL Media. 

Ninnis now takes over the 36ers as interim coach, now fully coaching former Panther Alex Starling. The back-to-back Best Defensive Player and 2022 Grand Finals MVP has been a superstar in the conference, averaging over 20 points per game across three seasons.

Coming into NBL24 as an unknown product to many, Ninnis described what Starling's game is like having seen him at his best. 

“Someone who always leaves everything on the floor,” he said.

“He’s a great rebounder and his defensive versatility is a great asset for any team.”

Alex Starling said NO ?

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Another former Panther will be in Ninnis’ focus for this coming season in Jeremy Smith. The Woollacott Award medallist for 2022 has re-signed with the club after a year away playing overseas, with coach Ninnis expressing his excitement for his return.

“We have seen what he can do and achieve in the league,” he said.

“He is a big piece to the South Adelaide puzzle, [we’re] very excited.” 

Ninnis will inherit a large number of NBL1 Stars, such as Nick Marshall, Jacob Rigoni, Keanu Rasmussen and more on the 36ers roster. After having coached against many of them and now working with them closely as an assistant, Ninnis explained the benefit of the crossover between the two leagues. 

“Being part of an NBL program is very beneficial for their development as they get to challenge themselves day in, day out against NBL quality,” he said.

“Then they can take those learnings back to their NBL1 side and play a larger role and help the developing players on those rosters thrive to the next level.” 

The NBL1 starts on March 23, see the full fixture here.